Huge names announced for Manchester Pride
Eurovision star Olly Alexander and Leigh-Anne from Little Mix will play a new stage at Depot Mayfield
Last updated 14th Mar 2025
Manchester Pride has today released its hotly anticipated line-up with world-class LGBTQ+ superstars and allies taking centre stage, including Brit Award winner Olly Alexander, multi platinum selling pop star Leigh-Anne, and Hollywood superstar Billy Porter.
Also announced were special guests, Tulisa and Big Freedia, chart topping acts, Sonique and Louisa Johnson, internationally acclaimed drag queen, DJ, and music producer, Jodie Harsh, and multi-award winning cabaret artist, Danny Beard with The Danny Beard Show.
In addition, Manchester Pride has worked with community collectives to commission a number of immersive shows. Following roaring success at Factory International last June, House of MCR, will return with its unique show that brings together dance, singing, lip-syncing, and fashion. Kulture Cabaret will also take to the stage with its celebration of queer South Asian and Middle Eastern performers, presented by Lucky Roy Singh.
Hit touring success Queenz: Drag me to the disco will feature during the bank holiday celebrations, while Bongo’s Bingo will kick off the event each day.
The performers are part of the first ever line up at the brand new Mardi Gras event and one of the most diverse, with the ambition to better represent marginalised communities such as trans, non-binary, and queer local talent.
Announced earlier this month, Mardi Gras will take place at Depot Mayfield on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 August.
The iconic Gay Village Party is also set to return from Friday 22 to Monday 25 August with performances from the likes of Samantha Mumba, B*Witched and Sister Sledge featuring Kathy Sledge announced so far, with more to come.
Performances at the Gay Village will be hosted across two stages – the Alan Turing Stage and the Indoor Arena. Audiences will also have access to a thrilling funfair, market stalls, and pop-up food vendors, as well as unmissable entertainment, such as Ginny Lemon’s Dog Show.
Each year, the festival brings thousands of people onto the streets of Manchester, showcasing top-class LGBTQ+ talent. Playing host to world-class artists, performers, DJs and shows, the events provide an exciting and inclusive space for all to celebrate LGBTQ+ culture.
See below for further information on all acts announced so far:
FRIDAY 22 AUGUST
Gay Village Party
Samantha Mumba
SATURDAY 23 AUGUST
Mardi Gras
Leigh-Anne // Billy Porter
Special Guest: Big Freedia
Gok Wan // Sonique // Booty Luv // Joshua James // Bestley
The Danny Beard Show // Dean Mccullough’s Pop Machine // Bongo’s Bingo
Queenz: Drag Me To The Disco // Black Pride Mcr // Runway X Banksie
Rikki Beadle-Blair // Darren Pritchard
Gay Village Party
B*Witched // Diana Vickers
Gaydio Dance Arena
SUNDAY 24 AUGUST
Mardi Gras
Olly Alexander
Special Guest: Tulisa
Tayce // Jodie Harsh // Louisa Johnson // K-Klass // N-Trance // Banksie
Stephani B // Anna Phylactic // Lucky Roy Singh
House Of MCR - Pride Edition //
Gaydio Dance Arena // Bongo’s Bingo // Kulture Cabaret
Gay Village Party
Sister Sledge Featuring Kathy Sledge // Angie Brown
Ginny Lemon’s Dog Show
Diva’s Only With Misty Chance // Your Manchester Live With Belinda Scandal
More to be announced for both events…
Mark Fletcher, CEO at Manchester Pride, said: “Manchester Pride is the city’s celebration of LGBTQ+ life and culture and each year we’re challenged to respond to the diverse needs of our communities.
“Working closely with LGBTQ+ groups and collectives from Greater Manchester we’ve been able to respond to the needs of our communities in presenting a queer focussed, intentional line up of performers who will elevate and lend their support to the rich bed of LGBTQ+ performers that this city has to offer.
“With the introduction of the new Mardi Gras event we needed to make sure that we stayed true to what Pride is about in this city. Our communities were clear that they wanted to see LGBTQ+ performers front and centre and we’re thrilled to announce a line up which serves.
“With so many stages available across the two live music based events we’re confident that there’s something for everyone; whether that be multi platinum selling pop artists, drag queen royalty or ballroom fierceness that you can expect to see at the special House of MCR Show.“
Manchester Pride has an open call offering local artists of all experience levels the chance to perform on its stages. For applications, visit manchesterpride.com/perform.
While Mardi Gras and the Gay Village Party are expected to be a big part of the festival, there will be a longer ten-day event running from Friday 15 through to Monday 25 August. The longer event will see the return of the Manchester Pride Parade, The Rally, Candlelit Vigil, Superbia, Family Pride MCR, and Youth Pride MCR.